Allegheny Controller O’Connor Defeats Incumbent Gainey in Pittsburgh Mayoral Primary

Corey O’Connor, Allegheny County Controller and son of former Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor, won the Democratic primary for Pittsburgh mayor, defeating incumbent Ed Gainey, the city's first Black mayor. O'Connor's campaign focused on addressing affordable housing by improving zoning and permit systems, increasing housing production, and supporting the homeless, along with enhancing public safety through better funding, staffing, and community policing initiatives. Gainey, a progressive leader, emphasized his record on affordable housing, lowering homicide rates, economic development, and climate resilience but faced criticism for struggles in securing payments from major nonprofits and for city budget concerns. The primary race highlighted a broader contest between progressive and moderate wings of the Democratic Party, with O'Connor representing a more moderate approach. Pittsburgh's heavily Democratic electorate makes the Democratic primary effectively decisive for the mayoral office, where O'Connor is now favored to win the general election against Republican Tony Moreno. This result mirrors recent losses by progressives in other major cities, signaling a possible shift in voter sentiment in urban centers.